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Tiatia gets Sunwolves job

The Sunwolves have announced that former Ospreys forward Filo Tiatia has been appointed as their head coach for the next two Super Rugby campaigns.

The 45-year-old, who was assistant coach to Mark Hammett last season, takes over the reins and has a good knowledge of the Japanese game.

“We are very pleased to name Filo Tiatia as head coach of HITO-Communcations Sunwolves next season,” said Representative Director of Japan SR Association Yoshitaka Tashiro in a statement on Monday.

“There’s no doubt he has more than enough experiences not only as a player such as playing All Blacks, but also as a coach at international level for a long time. We expect that the experience he had the last season as a coach at the Sunwolves will bring a great dynamic to the team in this coming season to strengthen the team further.

“We all believe that having Filo Tiatia as a head coach of Sunwolves will be the successful start for promising second season.”

Tiatia added: “I’m very excited to become the head coach of Sunwolves from the 2017 season and it is honoured to take over what Mark Hammett, a great leader and coach, built in our first season. Next season is going to be a continuous process from the first season but also we have to face new challenges and improve some areas.

“I am looking forward to working with many of the players and staff I worked with in the 2016 season.

“Sunwolves is a young franchise and need to get over lots of challenges. To the Sunwolves fans, that would be great if we could get your continuous support as you did in 2016. I look forward to seeing all of you soon.”